Pressure system



y 30, 1939- J.- DRAKE ET AL 2,160,062

PRESSURE SYSTEM Filed March 6, 1936 s Sheets-Sheet 1 grvutvm I obH/v L. DEA/(E,

LE Fov L. Hfiway [VAL 6. l-bwLe-z May 30, 1939- J. 1.. DRAKE ET AL 2,160,062

PRESSURE SYSTEM Filed March 6, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 c/oH/v L.v DRAKE. As Aav L. HANDY [VAL q. FOWLEA.

May 30, 1939. J. 1.. DRAKE ET AL 2,160,062

PRESSURE SYSTEM Filed March 6, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 iii W anmcntm JoH/v L. Bea/ 5.

[WM 6. Fan LEE Alf/Pay L. HANDY Patented May 30, 1939 UNETED STATES ATE OFFlE PRESSURE SYSTEM corporation of Ohio Application March 6,

14 Claims.

The present invention relates broadly to pressure systems and has particular reference to improved apparatus of this character which is especially adapted for use in the manufacture of lami- 5 nated safety glass.

Generally speaking, laminated safety glass comprises two or more sheets of glass and one or more interposed, non-brittle membranes all bonded together to form a composite structure. In manufacturing this type of glass, it is customary, after the several laminations have been assembled in proper superimposed relationship, to apply heat and pressure to the resulting sandwich in order to obtain a satisfactory bond. This is preferably accomplished by placing the sandwich in an autoclave and there subjecting it to the action of a heated fluid under pressure.

The pressure system, which has heretofore been ordinarily used with this type of pressing medium, consists of an autoclave within which the sandwiches to be treated are received and an auxiliary tank adapted to contain a reserve supply of liquid for the autoclave. The auxiliary tank is connected with the autoclave in a manner to permit the free flow of liquid therebetween and is so positicned relative thereto that when the liquid within the system is not under pressure the normal level of liquid in the autoclave will be somewhat below the top thereof. do With such a system, after the sandwiches to be treated are introduced into the autoclave and the cover closed, air under pressure is pumped into the auxiliary tank until sufficient liquid has been forced therefrom into the autoclave to fill the latter and the required amount of fluid pressure has been built up therein. The fluid pressure is maintained for a desired length of time necessary to properly press the sandwiches, after which the compressed air is exhausted from the auxiliary tank. As the pressure is released, a portion of the liquid in the autoclave will flow back into the auxiiiary tank as it seeks its natural level, thus lowering the level of the liquid in the autoclave.

Such a system and method of operation is, however, not entirely satisfactory because of the fact that it is necessary to exhaust from the auxiliary tank the compressed air which has been built up for the pressing of a particular group of sandwiches before these sandwiches are removed from the autoclave. Since it is therefore necessary to build up a similar volume of air each time the autoclave is charged with a new group of sandwiches, it will be evident that the mechanical energy necessary to build up the required pressure 1936, Serial No. 67,464

of air will be completely lost each time the air is exhausted.

In addition, with a system of this type, the level to which the liquid in the autoclave will fall when the pressure thereon is released is dependent entirely upon the amount of liquid in the system. For this reason, it is practically impossible to accurately determine or control this level because the volume of liquid within the pressure system is constantly fluctuating due to the natural losses incident to the operation thereof and to the addition of new liquid from time to time to compensate for such losses.

In its broad aspect, the present invention comprehends the provision of an improved pressure system which includes an autoclave adapted to contain a suitable liquid and within which the sandwiches to be pressed are received, together with a closed auxiliary supply tank associated with the autoclave and containing additional liquid backed up by an elastic or gaseous fluid such as air under pressure. In carrying out the invention, the sandwiches to be pressed are first introduced into the autoclave after which the cover thereof is closed and locked. Communication is then established between the autoclave and the auxiliary tank and, with the autoclave filled with liquid, the air pressure within the auxiliary tank,

acting through the liquid therein, will build up the munication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank is cut off and the pressure within the autoclave released. The cover of the autoclave is then opened to permit the removal of the laminated sheets and the subsequent introduction of new work.

In a somewhat more limited aspect, the invention also comprehends the use of a surge tank associated with the autoclave and auxiliary tank for receiving a portion of the liquid from the autoclave when communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank is cut off, the liquid subsequently passing from the surge tank to the auxiliary tank from which it is returned to the autoclave.

With such an arrangement and method of operation, it will not be necessary to exhaust the air or other elastic or gaseous fluid under pressure from the system and more particularly from the auxiliary tank at any time, but instead this fluid will be retained within the system and will be used repeatedly in the treatment of successive charges of work as they are introduced into the autoclave.

An important object of the invention is the provision, in a pressure system of the above character, of means for causing the liquid within the autoclave to fall to a desired predetermined level upon release of the pressure therein and for also preventing the liquid from rising above said level upon the subsequent introduction of new work into the autoclave and before the application of pressure thereto.

Another object of the invention is the provision, in a pressure system of the above character, of means for automatically maintaining the pressure of the air or other elastic or gaseous fluid in the system and more particularly in the auxiliary tank within certain predetermined limits at all times.

Another object of the invention is the provision, in a pressure system of the above character, of means for automatically maintaining a proper amount of pressing liquid within the system at all times during the operation thereof.

Still another object of the invention is the provision, in a pressure system of the above character including an autoclave, of means associated with said pressure system and operable by pressing liquid therefrom for opening and closing the cover of the autoclave, together with means also connected with the pressure system and operable by pressing liquid therefrom for movin said cover into locked and unlocked positions.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent during the course of the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Fig. l is a diagrammatic view of a pressure system constructed in accordance with the present invention, portions of the apparatus being broken away;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the autoclave with the cover thereof closed;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view through a valve in the pipe line connecting the autoclave with the auxiliary tank and surge tank;

Fig, 5 is a vertical sectional view through the automatic switch which controls the pressure of the elastic fluid within the system together with a wiring diagram of the control therefor;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view through the valve in the pipe line connecting the autoclave and surge tank;

Fig. '7 is a transverse sectional view through the valve which controls the opening and closing of the autoclave cover; and

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view through a similar valve which controls the movement of the autoclave cover into locking and unlocking positions.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the improved pressure system as herein illustrated comprises primarily an autoclave A containing a suitable pressing liquid within which the sandwiches to be pessed are adapted to be received; an auxiliary tank B associated with the autoclave A and containing additional liquid backed up by an elastic or gaseous fluid such as under pressure; and a surge tank C associated with the autoclave A and the auxiliary tank B and into which the surplus liquid from the autoclave is adapted to flow upon the release of the pressure therein. The autoclave A, auxiliary tank B and surge tank C are all connected together by suitable piping in a manner and for a purpose to be more clearly hereinafter set forth.

The autoclave A (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) comprises a substantially cylindrical body portion if having a curved bottom I! and a hingedly mounted, dome-shaped top or cover l2. The body portion it! includes a cylindrical shell 13 provided with a collar %4 fitting snugly upon the upper portion thereof and extending thereabove. The collar 55 is provided intermediate its ends with an inwardly directed annular flange I5 upon which the cover I2 is adapted to rest when in closed position.

Formed adjacent the upper edge of this collar l4 and extending inwardly therefrom are a plurality of equally spaced retaining lugs [6 which are adapted to cooperate with a plurality of corresponding lugs ll formed upon the outer perimeter of the domed cover !2 to provide a locking means for the said cover. The adjacent retaining lugs 15 are spaced sufficiently far apart to allow the lugs 16 to pass therebetween when the cover I2 is lowered into closed position and upon subsequent rotation of the cover, the lugs I5 thereon will be slid beneath the retaining lugs IE to securely lock the cover in position.

The cover I2 is hingedly mounted upon the autoclave A by means of a bracket arm i8 formed with a boss 99 intermediate its ends and having a rearwardly extending bifurcated portion 20 comprising a pair of curved arms 21 and 2| terminating in the horizontally arranged bearing portions 23 and 2 1 respectively disposed at right angles to the bracket arm it. The bearing portions 23 and 24 are received upon and keyed to a transverse rod 25, the opposite ends of which are journaled in a pair of bearing brackets 26 and 2? secured to the collar M.

The cover 12 is connected to the bracket arm I8 by a rod 28 extending upwardly from the center of the cover through the boss #9 of the brack et arm and threaded at its upper end to receive a flanged nut or the like 29. A further connection between the bracket arm and cover is provided by means of a downwardly extending hook portion 30 formed at the outer end of the said bracket arm and which is adapted to engage a catch plate 3| secured to the cover i2.

It will be noted that when the cover is in closed position as illustrated by the broken lines in Fig. 1, the hook portion 39 is spaced slightly below the catch plate 3i and by proper adjustment of the nut 29, a similar amount of clearance may be provided between the flanged portion 29 thereof and the boss I9. Thus, when the cover I2 is in closed position, it will not be supported by the bracket arm H! but will rest upon the flange [5 formed on the collar l4 and may therefore be freely rotated into locked or unlocked position. With the cover in unlocked position, when the bracket arm !8 is pivoted upwardly the hook 39 and the boss is formed on the bracket arm will engage catch plate 3! and nut 29 respectively to move the cover I2 into open position as shown in full lines in Fig. 1.

During the pressing operation, the cover 12 of the autoclave will be closed and looked and the autoclave will be filled with liquid under pressure. However, upon the release of the pressure within the autoclave and prior to the opening of the cover 12, it is desired that the level of the liquid within the autoclave be caused to fall to a point somewhat below the top thereof to prevent spilling of the liquid during discharging and charging of the work.

In order to permit the filling of the autoclave with liquid preparatory to the application of pressure and also to permit the subsequent dis charge of a portion of the liquid from the autoclave upon release of the pressure thereon, there is provided a combined inlet and discharge pipe 32 communicating with the autoclave A through the bottom I l thereof. This pipe 32 is connected to a pipe 33 leading from the auxiliary tank 13 and to a similar pipe 34 leading to the surge tank C by means of a three-way valve 35 (Fig. 1). This valve 35, as illustrated in conventional fashion in Fig. 4, comprises a substantially cylindrical outer casing 36 within which is journaled a central core 31. The core 31 is provided with a pair of connecting passages 38 and 32] extending radially from the center thereof and at right angles to each other. These passages are adapted to communicate, upon proper rotation of the core 31, with the circumferentially aligned ports 40, 4| and 42 tapped through the wall of the outer casing 36 and which receive the threaded ends of pipes 32, 33 and 34 respectively.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the auxiliary tank B is of cylindrical formation, having a rounded top 43 and a rounded bottom 54 within which is received one end of the pipe 33 leading to the autoclave A, The lower portion of the auxiliary tank B contains a reserve supply of liquid 45 for the autoclave and which liquid is backed up by an elastic fluid, such as air under pressure contained in the space 46 thereabove.

When the sandwiches to be treated have been introduced into the autoclave and the cover l2 thereof closed and locked, the core 31 of the valve 35 will be turned to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 4, thereby establishing communication between the auxiliary tank B and the autoclave A through pipe 33, passages 39 and 38, and pipe 32. The air under pressure within the auxiliary tank will then act to force sufficient liquid therefrom into the autoclave to first fill the same and to then apply the required amount of pressure to the liquid therein.

In order to permit the air, trapped above the liquid in the autoclave when the cover 12 is closed, to escape as the autoclave is being filled with liquid and to subsequently facilitate the release of pressure within the autoclave, there is provided a vent pipe 50 communicating with the top of the autoclave through the cover l2 and equipped with a shut-01f valve 5!. The valve 5! is left open during the filling of the autoclave until all of the air is exhausted and is closed when liquid begins coming out of the vent pipe 59.

Communicating with the upper portion of the auxiliary tank B by means of a pipe 52 is a compressed air tank 53. The pipe 52 permits the free flow of air between the space 56 of the auxiliary tank and the compressed air tank 53, thus equalizing the pressure within the two tanks and providing in effect a relatively large volume of compressed air above the liquid 35 in the auxiliary tank. This increased volume of air will act to reduce the fluctuation of pressure resulting from variations in the level of the liquid in the auxiliary tank during the application of pressure to the liquid in the autoclave.

Compressed air is introduced into the system with the tank 53 through a pipe 55 and operable by a motor 56 having suitable driving connection with the air compressor 5d through a train of gears or the like 57. When the required amount of air has been introduced into the system, it is retained therewithin and is used again and again in the application of pressure to successive charges of work within the autoclave A.

The amount of pressure most suitable for properly bonding together the various laminations of the sandwiches in manufacturing laminated safety glass has been found to be approximately 250 pounds per square inch. Although some variation in the amount of pressure is permissible it is desired, in order to obtain uniform, satisfactory results, that the pressure within the system be maintained within certain definite limits. For example, between 250 and 300 pounds per square inch.

In order to prevent the compressed air within the system from falling below the minimum required pressure due to natural losses of air or as a result of abnormal operating conditions, it may be necessary to supply additional air to the system from time to time. For this purpose, there has been provided an automatic pressure control means designated in its entirety by the numeral 58 and communicating with the upper portion of the tank 53 by means of a pipe 59.

As best shown in Fig. 5, this automatic control means 58 includes a pressure responsive switch 60 associated with the electrical supply line leading to the motor 56. The switch 68 comprises a two piece hollow casing 6! including the upper and lower oppositely disposed, substantially dish shaped portions 62 and 63 respectively. The portions 62 and 63 are provided with annular flanges 64 and 65 respectively between which is clamped at flexible diaphragm t6 dividing the interior of the hollow casing 6! into upper and lower cham bers 61 and 68 respectively. Extending upwardly from the center of the upper portion 62 is a cylindrical extension 69 in open communication with the upper chamber @l while the lower portion 63 is tapped centrally thereof to receive the threaded upper end of the pipe 59 which connects the lower chamber 68 with the tank 53.

Mounted upon the upper surface of the diaphragm 66 at its center is a plate if! carrying the vertical rod ll extending upwardly through the extension 69 and slidably mounted in a bearing 12 formed at the upper end thereof. Carried at the upper end of the rod ii is a horizontal contact arm l3 which is adapted to engage stationary contacts 14 and 15 upon vertical movement of said rod.

In order to counteract the pressure of the air within the lower chamber 63 and to normally maintain the rod ll stationary, there is provided a compression spring 1% encircling the rod H between the plate ll! and the bearing 12. The spring it is capable of resisting pressures up to 300 pounds per square inch upon the under surface of the diaphragm and capable of overcoming pressures below 250 pounds per square inch. In other words, with the air pressure in the chamber 68 between 250 and 300 pounds per square inch, the diaphragm G6 and the rod M will be practically stationary. However, if the pressure in said chamber falls below 250 pounds per square inch, the spring it will cause the rod H to move downwardly while if the pressure rises above 300 pounds per square inch, the diaphragm 66 and rod ll will be moved upwardly against by means of an air compressor 54 communicatingv the action of the spring 15 by the pressure of the air in the lower chamber 68.

It is believed that the operation of the automatic pressure control means will be more clearly understood by reference to the wiring diagram in Fig. 5. This diagram includes three circuits, namely, two actuating circuits and a motor operating circuit. As shown in this view, the contact arm 13 is midway between the stationary contacts 14 and T5 and the motor 56 is stopped. During operation of the system, whenever the pressure in the tank 53 and consequently the pressure in the lower chamber 68 of the switch 69 falls below 250 pounds per square inch, the rod 5 will he moved downwardly as described above until the contact arm 13 engages the lower stationary contact 14. This will complete one of the actuating circuits by permitting electrical current to flow from the positive main line I! through wire l8, arm 13, contact 14, and wire 19 to the solenoid S0 and out through wire 8! to the negative line 82.

The flow of current through the actuating circuit in this manner energizes the solenoid 89 and causes a switch 89 to be moved into closed position to engage a stationary contact 84 as indicated in broken lines. The closing of the switch 83 will complete the motor operating circuit, thus permitting electric current to flow from the positive line 1? though wire 85 contact 89, switch 83, and wire 58 to the motor 55 and out through wire 87 to the negative line 82. The flow of current through the motor operating circuit as described serves to energize the motor 56 to drive the air compressor 54 and thus force air under pressure into the tank 53 through the pipe 55. As the pressure of the air in the chamber 68 of the pressure responsive switch 59 increases, it overcomes the action of the spring it, thus raising the contact arm 13 on the rod ll out of engagement with the contact 74 to break the actuating circuit through the solenoid 89. The switch 83, however, remains in engagement with contact 84 and the motor 55 continues to operate until the rod H is moved far enough upwardly to bring the arm 13 into engagement with the upper contact to complete the second actuating circuit.

The completion of this second actuating circuit permits the electric current to flow from the positive main line I! through wire l8, arm 13, contact l5 and wire 88 to a solenoid 89 and out through wire 99 to the negative line 82. The flow oi current through the second actuating circuit this manner will energize the solenoid 89 and cause the switch 83 to move to the left out of engagement with the contact 84 and into open position as shown in full lines thus breaking the motor operating circuit and stopping the motor 55. Upon any subsequent reduction of pressure within the system to below the minimum requirement, the rod ll will again be moved downwardly by the action of the spring 76 to bring the contact arm l3 into engagement with the stationary contact is whereupon the above cycle will be repeated.

The automatic pressure control means 58 will thus serve to maintain the air pressure within the system above the required minimum at all times and by the further provision of a safety valve 95 also communicating with the tank 53 and adapted to open in the event that the pressure within the system rises above the desired maximum, it will be seen that the pressure of the compressed air within the system will always be maintained within certain definite predetermined limits.

When the pressure upon the liquid within the autoclave A has been maintained for a length of time sumcient to properly press the sandwiches contained therein, the valve 35 is turned 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 4 to move the core 9? into the position indicated in broken lines whereby to cut off communication between the said autoclave and auxiliary tank B. The valve 5! in the vent pipe 59 is then opened to release the pressure within the autoclave and to permit the entrance of air. The turning of the valve 35 will bring the passages 38 and 39 into registry with the pipes 35 and 32 respectively, thereby not only cutting ofi communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank but siinultaneously establishing communication between the autoclave and surge tank C to permit a portion of the liquid within the autoclave to discharge into the surge tank.

As illustrated in Fig. l of the drawings, the surge tank C, associated with the autoclave A, is of substantially cylindrical formation, being preferably arranged in a horizontal position and somewhat below the desired normal level of liquid in the autoclave. The surge tank C is provided with an inlet conduit, designated in its entirety by the numeral 92, which communicates with the upper portion of the surge tank and a combined inlet and outlet pipe 93 received within an opening in the lower portion thereof. The pipes 92 and 93 are connected to the common conduit or pipe 34 leading from the autoclave A by means of a three-way valve 99.

The valve 96, as best shown in Fig. 6, is somewhat similar to valve 35 and comprises a substantially cylindrical outer casing 95 within which is arranged a rotatable core 95. The core 96 is provided with a transverse passage 92 extending therethrough and communicating with an intersecting radially extending passage 98 disposed at right angles thereto. The passages 9'! and 98 are adapted to register, upon proper rotation of the core 95, with the circumfer ntially aligned ports 99, I99 and I9! tapped through the wall of the casing 95 and which receive the threaded ends of pipe 34, conduit 92 and pipe 93 respectively. The core 99 or" the valve 94 is normally in the position shown in Fig. 6, with the passages 91 and 98 in registry with the ports I00 and 99 respectively, thus placing the pipe 34 in open communication with the conduit 92.

When the pressure within the autoclave has been maintained for the proper length of time, the core 3? of the valve 95 is turned 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow to bring the parssages 38 and 39 into registry with the ports 42 and ill respectively, and the valve 5| in the vent pipe 58 is then opened to permit air to flow into the autoclave. This will permit a portion of the liquid within the autoclave seeking its normal level to flow through pipe 32, passages 39 and 39, pipe valve 94 and conduit 92 to the surge tank C, thus causing the liquid level in the autoclave to fall and permitting the cover to be opened without spilling any of the liquid.

As pointed out above, in the normal operation of the system, it is desirable to have the liquid in the autoclave fall to a predetermined level upon the release of the pressure thereon and also to prevent the liquid from rising above this level during the subsequent recharging of the autoclave. To this end, the conduit 92 is in the shape of a so-called goose neck and comprises a pair of vertical pipes I02 and I03 connected together by a horizontal pipe IIl l having an upwardly extending vent pipe I05 interposed therein. The horizontal pipe I06 is positioned at the height to which it is desired that the level of the liquid in the autoclave will fall upon release of the pressure thereupon.

Thus, when the pressure upon the liquid in the autoclave is released by turning the valve 35 and opening the valve 5i, liquid, seeking its normal level, will flow from the autoclave A to the surge tank through the goose neck 02. This flow of liquid will continue until the liquid level in the autoclave falls to the height of the horizontal pipe IE4 and regardless of variations the amount of liquid in the system, the level of liquid in the autoclave will always fall to this point and no farther upon release of the pressure thereupon.

result in raising the level of the liquid but will merely cause an additional amount of liquid to flow into the surge tank C. It will be readily seen, therefore, that this feature will practically eliminate overflowing of the liquid during reph-arging of the autoclave and, in addition, will permit of a relatively high and constant normal level being maintained.

As just described, the autoclave normally discharges into the surge tank C through the goose :neck 92. Lowcver, under certain circumstances, it may be desired to obtain a quick dump of the autoclave or, in other words, to cause the level of the liquid therein to fall considerably below the point determined by the position of the horizontal pipe I04 in the goose neck $2. In this event, the core St of the valve 9:: is rotated 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 6 to bring the opposite ends of the transverse passage Ql into registry with the ports 99 and IEII. This will permit the liquid from the autoclave, discharging through pipe 32, valve 35 and pipe 3 1 to flow into the surge tank C through valve 94 and pipe 93, which fiow will continue until the level of the liquid within the autoclave A and surge tank C are equalized.

For the purpose of preventing excessive fluctuation of pressure within the system, it is important that the liquid in the auxiliary tank B be maintained at a relatively contant level. To this end, it is necessary, during operation of the system, to replace the liquid which is forced from the auxiliary tank into the autoclave preparatory to the application of pressure to the liquid in the autoclave. Since a corresponding amount of liquid is subsequently permitted to flow from the autoclave into the surge tank C upon the release of pressure within the autoclave, this replacement is preferably effected by transferring liquid to the auxiliary tank from the surge tank.

To accomplish this transfer of liquid from surge tank C to auxiliary tank B, there is provided a pair of centrifugal pumps I and I0'I operated by the motors I08 and I09 respectively, having suitable driving connections therewith. The respective inlet pipes III! and III of the pumps I06 and I01 are connected to the surge tank 0 by means of a four-way fitting II2, common conduit H3 and pipe 93, while the respective outlet pipes II4 and IE5 of the said pumps I05 and I0? are connected to the hottom of the auxiliary tank B by means of a common conduit H0.

As explained above, pressure is applied to the liquid in the autoclave A by means of the compressed air contained in the space 40 above the liquid 45 in the auxiliary tank B and acting therethrough. Since it is desired that the amount of air within the system be normally constant and that no further air be added to or removed therefrom, it will be evident that the size of the space 38 and consequently the height of the liquid 45 will have a definite relation to the amount of pressure in the system. For this reason, it is extremely important that the level of the liquid 35 be accurately controlled. In other words, the level of the liquid 45 must never fall below the point where the increased size of the space it will result in the pressure of the air therein falling below 250 pounds per square inch, nor must the level of the liquid 45 rise beyond the point where the reduced size of the space 2% will act to compress the air therein to a pressure above 300 pounds per square inch.

In order to maintain the level of the liquid 45 within the limits set forth above, there is associated with the electrical circuit for the motors I08 and I00 of the pumps I06 and IN respectively, three float switches II I, H8 and H9 associated with the auxiliary tank B and operable into open and closed position by the fluctuations of the level of the liquid d5 therein. The float switches II'I, H8 and H0 comprise arms I20, I2I and IE2 respectively pivoted midway their ends in the side wall of the auxiliary tank 13 as at I23, I25 and I25. The inner ends of the arms I20, iii and I22 of the float switches extend into the tank B and have secured thereto the floats I26, I27 and IE8 respectively while the outer ends of the arms extend exteriorly of the tank and carry thereon the electrical contacts I29, I30 and I3I respectively. The switches H1, H8 and H9 also include the stationary contacts I32, I33 and I34 respectively which are adapted to be engaged by the movable contacts I27, I28 and I29 respectively upon closing of the switches III, H8 and III].

The switches M7, M8 and H9 are so arranged that when the liquid G5 in the auxiliary tank B is at the maximum desired height, all of the switches will be in open position as shown in full lines in Fig. 1, and the pumps I06 and I01 will be stopped. However, when liquid is forced from the auxiliary tank B into the autoclave A, the falling of the level of the liquid 45 will cause the float switches Ill and M8 to move to closed position as shown by the broken lines, and the osing of the switch H8 will start the pump I06 pumping liquid from the surge tank C through pipes 93, H3 and H0 into the auxiliary tank B through pipes M 1 and H0. This transfer of liquid from the surge tank to the auxiliary tank will cause the level of the liquid 45 to rise, thereby moving the switches Ill and I I8 into open position and upon the opening of the switch II'I-, as the liquid reaches its maximum desired level, the pump I55 will be stopped.

In the event the liquid supplied to the auxiliary tank by the operation of the pump I06 is not sufficient to raise the level of the liquid 45, the level will continue to fall until the switch H9 is also moved into closed position and the closing of this switch will start the pump I0'I pumping additional liquid from the surge tank C into the auxiliary tank through pipes 93, H3

and III, pump I01 and pipes II4 and I56. Both the pump I06 and pump III! will then continue to operate until the liquid 45 rises to its maximum level, thus opening the switches I I9 and H8 and finally the switch III which will stop both pumps.

It is believed that the electrical control of the pumps I06 and I0'I by the switches H7, H8 and I I3 will be more readily understood by reference to the wiring diagram therefor which is also illustrated in Fig. 1. Considering first the control of the pump I06 by the switches Ill and I I8, the wiring therefor consists of three circuits, namely, (1) an actuating circuit, (2) a holding circuit, and (3) an operating circuit. The actuating circuit includes the positive and negative main lines I35 and I36 respectively. Leading from the positive line I35 is a wire I31 running to a solenoid I38 and leading from this solenoid is a wire I39 which is connected to the movable contact I30 of the switch II8. A wire I40 leads from the stationary contact I33 of the switch H8 and is connected to a wire I4I running to the negative line I36.

The lowering of the level of the liquid 45 in the auxiliary tank B will first cause the switch Ill to be moved to closed position, thus causing the movable contact I29 thereof to engage the stationary contact I32 and subsequently the switch II8 will also be closed, thus bringing its movable contact I30 into engagement with the stationary contact I33. The closing of the switch H8 completes the actuating circuit by permitting electric current to flow from the positive line I35 through wire i3! to the solenoid I38 and out through wire I39, contacts I36 and I33 of the switch H8, wire I40 and wire I4I to the negative line I36.

Associated with the solenoid I38 is a bar I42 which carries a pair of movable contacts I43 and I44. Upon energization of the solenoid I38 by the flow of current therethrough in the manner just described, the bar I42 will be moved to bring the contacts I43 and I4 into engagement with a pair of stationary contacts I45 and I46 respectively, thus completing both the holding circuit and the operating circuit.

The completion of the holding circuit permits electric current to flow from the positive line I35 through wire I31 to the solenoid I38 and then out through wire I 41, contacts I46 and I44, wires I48 and I49, contacts I29 and I32 of the switch I I1 and wires I50 and MI to the negative line I36.

When the bar I42 is moved to complete the holding circuit, it also acts to simultaneously complete the operating circuit. The completion of the operating circuit will permit electric current to flow from the positive line I35 through the wires I31 and II, contacts I43 and I45 and wire I52 to the motor I 08 and out through the wires I53 and I54 to the negative line I36, thus energizing the motor I08 to start the pump I06. Liquid will then be pumped from the surge tank C through the pump I06 into the auxiliary tank B to replace the liquid being forced therefrom. As the level of the liquid 45 rises in the auxiliary tank, it will first open the switch H8 and then the switch I H. The flow of current through the holding circuit as above described will serve to maintain the solenoid I38 energized and the operating circuit completed when the switch H8 is opened to break the actuating circuit. In other words, the breaking of the actuating circuit does not break the holding circuit or the operating circuit and therefore does not affect the operation of the pump I06 which will continue topump liquid into the auxiliary tank until the level of the liquid therein is raised to a point where it will open the switch Ill. The opening of the switch II I will then break the holding circuit, thus deenergizing the solenoid I38 and causing downward movement of the bar I 22 to break the operating circuit to the motor I08, thereby stop-, ping the pump I06.

As pointed out above, in the event that the liquid supplied to the auxiliary tank by the operation of the pump I06 is insuificient to cause the level of the liquid 45 to rise, the said level will continue to fall until the switch I I9 is moved into closed position to start the pump Hill. The electrical means for controlling the operation of the pump ID'I' by the switches H9 and III is substantially the same as that for controlling the operation of the pump I06 by the switches H8 and iii. Thus, the wiring diagram for this purpose also comprises an actuating circuit, a holding circuit, and an operating circuit.

Upon closing of the float switch I I9, the operating circuit will be completed to allow electric current to flow from the positive line I35 through wires I55 and I56 to a solenoid I57 and out through wire I50, contacts I3I and I34 and wire I4I to the negative line I36. The completion of the actuating circuit will energize the solenoid I 51 and cause the movement of the bar I59 associated therewith to bring the movable contacts I60 and I6I carried thereby into engagement with a pair of stationary contacts I52 and I63 respectively to complete the holding and operating circuits.

The completion of the holding circuit will permit electric current to flow from the positive line i35 through wires I55 and I56 to the solenoid I51 and out through wires I58 and I56, contacts I62 and I66, wires I65 and I49, contacts I29 and I32 of switch III, and wires i523 and MI to the negative line I36. It will of course be apparent that at any time the switch H9 is closed, the switches II! and H8 are also closed.

The completion of the holding circuit also eiTects the simultaneous completion of the operating circuit. The completion of the operating circuit will permit the flow of current from the positive line I35 through wire I55, contacts I63 and I6I and wire I66 to the motor its and out through wire 66? to the negative line I36, thus energizing the motor I09 and starting the pump I01.

Since the pump I65 will be already in operation at this time, the starting of the pump II)? will serve to force additional l quid from the surge tank C into the auxiliary tank B. As the level of the liquid in the auxiliary tank rises, it will first open the float switch H9, then the switch I it, and finaily the switch i ii. The opening of the fioat switch I 56, while breaking the actuating circuit, will not aiiect the holding and operating circuits due to the fact that the solenoid I5? will remain energized. The opening of the switch I it will also not affect either of these circuits. However, as the switch ill is opened, it will break both of the holding circuits, thus deenergizing the solenoids I38 and I4? and causing movement of the bars I52 and 59 respectively associated therewith to disengage the movable contacts carried thereby from their respective stationary contacts. The breaking of the holding circuits will also effect the breaking of the operating circuits to the motors I08 and E09, thereby stopping the pumps I66 and I07.

From the above, it will be seen that there has valves been provided an automatic "control means for maintaining the level of liquid in the auxiliary tank B within certain definite predetermined limits at all times and that upon the lowering of the liquid level therein to a certain point, one or both of the pumps 5% and M31 will be immediately started to transfer liquid from the surge tank C to the auxiliary tank and that such transfer will continue until the level of the liquid within the auxiliary tank reaches its maximum desired height. It will be understood that the electrical control means for the pumps as herein illustrated are purely diagrammatic and that changes and alterations might be made in actually practicing the invention.

For example, in the event it is desired to maintain the level of the liquid in the auxiliary tank 13 within somewhat closer limits, the float switches ill, Hi8 and H9 might be positioned closer to one another or the switch H9 might be entirely eliminated and both of the pumps I03 and is! be started by the closing of the switch l ill and stopped by the opening of the switch I ll.

As set forth, it is preferred that the liquid forced from the auxiliary tank B be replaced by transferring liquid thereto from the surge tank C. However, in the event that due to natural losses or for any other reason there is not a sumcient amount of liquid in the surge tank for this purpose, it becomes necessary to supply additional liquid to the system. For this purpose,

there is connected to the intake pipes H0 and ill of the pumps loll and lll'l respectively, by

-means of the four-way fitting H2, a pipe I68 leading from a reserve supply tank (not shown).

The pipe llii leading from the surge tank C and the pipe E68 are provided with shut-oil valves H69 and ill] respectively operable by the res ective lever arms ill and H2. During normal operation, the valve M9 is maintained in open position and the valve lit in closed position by means of tension springs Hi3 and I'M respectively connected to the outer ends of the respective lever arms ill and 512. With this arrangement, upon operation of the pumps Hi5 and lll'l, liquid will be pumped from the surge tank C into the auxiliary tank B as described above. However, when it becomes necessary to supply additional liquid to the system due to the fact that the level of the liquid in the surge tank falls below a predetermined point, there is provided means automatically actuated for closing the valve E59 in the pipe H3 and opening the valve lie in supply pipe E68. This permits liquid to be pumped from the reserve tank through the pipe I68, fitting H2, pipes ill] and ill, pumps m5 and llll, pipes lid and H5 and common conduit i it into the auxiliary tank B.

The means for automatically efiecting this operation includes a float switch H5 associated with the surge tank C and comprising an arm l'lt pivoted midway its ends in the side wall of the surge tank as at ill. The arm H6 carries at one end thereof interiorly of the surge tank a float H8 and at its opposite end outwardly of the tank an electrical contact H9 which is adapted to engage .a stationary contact Hi8.

It is believed that the automatic control of the and i2 8 will be more readily understood by reference to the electrical wiring diagram therefor as illustrated in Fig. 1. The electrical wiring consists of a single circuit which includes the main positive and negative lines I35 Leading from the positive line A35 is a wire lill connected to the stationary contact use and running from the contact l is of the float switch it? is a wire 282 connected to a solenoid 83. A wire ltd leads from the solenoid I83 and is connected to the negative line H6. Leading from the wire 182 is a wire W5 running to a second solenoid i8 5 and leading from this solenoid is a wire it? which is connected to the Wire H54.

When the level of the liquid in the surge tank (1 falls suiliciently to cause the float H8 to drop to the position indicated in broken lines, the

switch H5 will be moved into closed position. The closing of the switch 175 will bring the contact H9 on the arm ll'fi into engagement with the stationary contact l8tl, thus completing the circuit. The completion of the circuit will cause electric current to flow from the positive line through wire 81, contacts ltd and HS} and wire l82 to the solenoid lSS and out through wire 86 to the negative line I36. A portion of the current will also flow from the wire I82 through wire I85 to the solenoid 86 and out through wire l8? and wire its to the negative line 235.

The flow of current in the manner described will energize both of the solenoids I86 and E83 which will cause the lever arms ill and H2 re spectively of the valves H69 and are to move against the action of the springs H3 and lit into the positions indicated by the broken lines. This movement of the lever arms ill and H2 will close valve E59 and open valve fill, thus causing liquid to be pumped from the reserve tank into the auxiliary tank B'upon operation of either one or both of the pumps Hi6 and till.

The valves I69 and 579 will remain in this position until the continued operation of the system results in suilicient liquid being discharged from the autoclave A into the surge tank C to cause the level of the liquid in the surge tank to rise sufficiently to move the float H8 into full line position, thus opening the switch H5. Upon opening of the switch H5, the'contact ilil will be disengaged from contact 580, thus breaking the circuit and deenergizing the solenoids 586 and N33. The lever arms ill and ll? of the valves H59 and I'll respectively will then be moved into full line position by the action of the respective springs H3 and lid to open the valve 56$ and close the valve lll'l whereupon the normal cycle of operations will be resumed.

Under certain circumstances, such as for example when it is desired to clean the autoclave, it may be necessary to discharge all of the liquid therefrom. To this end, there is associated with the autoclave a centrifugal pump H38 having inlet and outlet pipes 589 and i953 respectively and operable by a motor l5! having suitable driving connection therewith. The inlet pipe I89 is connected with the pipe 32, communicating with the bottom of the autoclave, by means of a pipe Hi2 having a shut-off valve E93 arranged therein while the discharge pipe 59% leads to a reserve tank (not shown).

The valve ill-3 is normally closed but by turning this valve to open position and starting the pump I88, all of the liquid may be readily discharged from the autoclave into the reserve tank. Fur-- ther, by proper manipulation of the valves 35 and 9 3 during operation of the pump M8, the liquid may be discharged from the entire system if desired.

As set forth above, the present invention also contemplates the provision of hydraulic means connected to the pressure line of the system and operable by liquid therefrom for closing and opening the cover 52 of the autoclave together with similar means operable in a like manner for moving the cover into and out or" locked position.

The means for closing and opening the cover I2 includes a cylinder 29:; (Fig. l) swingably mounted between a pair of I-beams as at I95. Mounted within the cylinder Hi l is a piston I535 to which is connected the lower end of a piston rod is? operating through a stuffing box M8 at the upper end of the cylinder. The upper end of the piston rod lfil is pivotally connected, by means of a coupling 599 and pin 2%, with a lever arm 223i formed on a sleeve 2%2 which is keyed to the transverse rod carrying bracket arm 18.

To permit the introduction of liquid under pressure into the cylinder at for the purpose of closing and opening the cover $2 of the autoclave A, the lower and upper ends of the cylinder are adapted to communicate with a four-way valve 233 by means of a pair of flexible conduits 23 i and 295. Also connected to the valve 233 is an inlet pipe 265 leading from the pipe 33 of the pressure system and an outlet pipe 2Q? leading to the surge tank C.

The four-Way valve 263 may be of any conventional or preferred construction and, as shown in Fig. '7, comprises an outer casing 2% within which is journaled a core 299. The outer casing 208 is tapped at four horizontally aligned, equidistantly spaced points to form the ports 2 l0, 2 I I, 2 i 2, and 2 l3 within which are received the threaded ends of the conduits 2G4, 268, 255 and 2-8? respectively. The core 289 is provided with a pair of curved passages 2M and 255 extending therethrough and the opposite ends of which are adapted to align with the ports 2m to 253 upon proper positioning of the core.

When it is desired to close the cover E2, the valve 233 is turned to the full line position as shown in Fig. '7. This will permit fluid to be forced from the pipe 33 by the action of the compressed air in the auxiliary tank through pipe passage 2M, and conduit 284 into the lower end of the cylinder N36 to force the piston M 5 upwardly. At the same time, any liquid remaining in the upper portion of the cylinder 194 will be forced out by the upward movement of the piston and will discharge through conduit 2335, passage 2l5, and pipe 2M to the surge tank C. The upward movement of the piston let, acting through the piston rod 9'1, coupling :99, and lever arm 29!, will turn the rod 25 in a counterclockwise direction to lower the bracket arm 553 consequently the cover l2 into the position indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 1.

Upon the completion of the pressure operation, tLe cover 82 is adapted to be raised by turning of the core 239 of the valve 283 ninety degrees in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 7. will bring the passages 2M and 255 into the posinons indicated by the broken lines, and thus the passage 255 will connect the inlet pipe 2536 with the conduit 2S5 leading to the upper end of the cylinder I94 while the passage 2! will connect the conduit 294 leading from the bottom of the cylinder with the discharge pipe 281. With this arrangement, liquid under pressure will be forced into the upper end of the cylinder :94 to move the piston I95 into lowered or retracted position and at the same time the liquid within the lower portion of the cylinder will be forced out of the cylinder and discharged into the surge tank C. The downward movement of the piston I96, acting through the various connections referred to above, will raise the cover 52 into open position indicate in full lines in Fig. 1.

When the cover 62 is moved to closed position, it is also adapted to be rotated into locked and unlocked positions by the action of hydraulic means connected to the pressure system and operable by liquid therefrom. This hydraulic means includes a cylinder 25% fixed to the outer wall of the collar M at one side of the autoclave A. Mounted within the cylinder H5 is a piston 2H to which is connected a piston rod 2l8 operating through the forward end of the cylinder and slidably mounted adjacent its outer end in a bearing 2 is secured to the said collar it. The piston rod 255 has secured thereto, between the cylinder 256 and the bearing 2 i 9, a pair of spaced apart, opposltely disposed, flanged collars 22d and 225 In order to provide suitable connections between the hydraulic operating means and the cover ii, there is provided a bracket plate 222 secured to the cover by means of bolts 223 engaging vertical projections 22 on said cover adjacent its outer edge and at a point slightly in advance of the cylinder 25%. The bracket plate 222 extends outwardly beyond the collar l4 and is formed with a vertical bearing 22% within which is journaled a rod threaded at its upper end to receive a retaining nut 22? and carrying at its lower end a forked member 223. The forked member 2253 is adapted to straddle the piston rod 258 between the flanged collars 222i? and 22! so that upon rearward movement of the piston and iston rod, the collar 229 will engage the forked member 223 to rotate the cover 82 into locked position while upon forward movement of the piston and piston rod, the collar 2: will engage the forked member 228 to rotate the cover into unlocked position.

To provide for the introduction of liquid into the cylinder 25%} in a manner to cause the operation of the piston 29?, the opposite ends of the cylinder are connected to a four-way valve 229 by pipes 232 and 235 respectively. The valve 2253 is also provided with an inlet pipe 232, branching from the inlet pipe leading to valve 263, and a discharge pipe 233 leading to the outlet pipe 28? of valve 203.

The valve 22s, as shown in Fig. 8, is similar in construction and operation to the valve 2% and comprises cylindrical outer casing 23 within which is journaled a core Tapped through the walls of the casing are four horizontally ligned, equally spaced ports which are adapted to receive the threaded ends of the pipes 238, 232, 235 25.33 respectively. The core 235 is provided with pair of horizontally arranged, curved passages 23S and 25:37, the opposite ends of which are adapted to align with the pipes 2 86 to 233 in the Walls of the casing 23 upon proper positioning of the core t fnen it is desired to lock the cover 52, the valve is turned to the position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 8, whereupon liquid will be formed from the pipe 33 through pipe 286, pipe passage 23'? and pipe 2383 into the forward end of the cylinder 25% to move the piston 25'! rearwardly. Simultaneously, any liquid in the rear end of the cylinder will be forced out by the movement of the piston through pipe 23 l, passage pipe 233 and pipe into the surge tank C. The rearward movement of the piston 2H and rod 2E8 will act as described abo' to rotate the cover !2 into locked position, and when in such position the lugs ll on the cover 52 will be positioned beneath the retaining lugs it on collar l4.

When it is desired to unlock the cover I2 to permit it to be opened, the core 235 of valve 229 is turned ninety degrees in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 8 to cause the passages 236 and 231 to assume the positions indicated in broken lines. When moved to this position, the inlet pipe 232 will be placed in communication with the pipe 23E leading to the rear end of the cylinder 2; through passage 236, while the pipe 230 leading from the forward end of the cylinder will be connected by the passage 23'! to the discharge pipe 233. Thus, liquid under pressure will be forced into the rear end of the cylinder 2I6 to move the piston 2 l l forwardly and at the same time any liquid within the forward end of the cylinder will be discharged into the surge tank C. The forward movement of the piston acting through the various connections, will cause the cover 12 to be moved into unlocked position at which time the lugs I! on the cover will be slid from beneath the lugs it on collar H4.

The operation of the improved pressure system, herein provided, through one complete cycle will now be described. When the autoclave A is open as shown in full lines in Fig. 1, valve 35 in the line connecting the autoclave and auxiliary tank B will be in the position indicated by broken lines in Fig. 4. The valve 94 in the line connecting the autoclave and surge tank C will be in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 6 and the valve in the vent pipe 50 will be open. The work, such as a group of sandwiches, to be treated may then be placed in suitable open containers or tubs and these tubs lowered into the liquid in the autoclave. The cover l2 of the autoclave will then be closed by turning the valve 203 to the position shown in full lines in Fig. '7, and after the cover has been closed, it will be rotated into locked position by turning the valve 228 to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 8.

With the autoclave closed and locked, the desired amount of fluid pressure is adapted to be built up therein. To this end, the valve 35 is turned to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 4 which will permit liquid from the auxiliary tank B to be forced therefrom into the autoclave A by the pressure of the air compressed within the space 46. When the autoclave is filled and liquid begins coming out of the vent pipe 50, the valve 5! is closed. During the filling of the autoclave, one or both of the pumps I06 and H11 will be automatically placed in operation by the closing of the float switches H1, H8 and H9 to replace the liquid forced from the auxiliary tank into the autoclave, by pumping fresh liquid into the auxiliary tank from the surge tank C, and if sufficient liquid is not contained in the surge tank, then by pumping liquid from the reserve tank (not shown) through the supply pipe I68.

It will thus be evident that with the valve 35 turned to full line position (Fig. 4), when the autoclave has been filled and the valve 5| closed, an amount of pressure will be applied to the liquid in the autoclave which is equal to the pressure of the compressed air within the space 46 which is preferably between 250 and 300 pounds per square inch in the manufacture of laminated safety glass. This pressure will be maintained until the several laminations of the sandwiches have been securely bonded together and which ordinarily requires approximately five minutes.

At the expiration of that time, the valve 35 will be turned to the position indicated in broken lines in Fig. 4, and the valve 5| will be opened. This will permit liquid to discharge from the autoclave A to the surge tank C through the goose-neck 92 until the level of liquid within the autoclave falls to the level of the horizontal pipe I04 in the goose-neck. The cover l2 of the autoclave can then be rotated into unlocked position by turning the valve 229 to the position indicated in broken lines in Fig. 8, after which the cover may be opened by turning the valve 203 to the position indicated by broken lines in Fig. '7. The laminated sandwiches may then be removed from the autoclave and the system is ready for the introduction of a fresh charge of work and the beginning of a new cycle.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that while the present invention is primarily concerned with a pressure system for use in the production of laminated safety glass, it is not limited to such use. As pointed out above, it is usually desired that the sandwiches be subjected to the action of both heat and pressure in order to obtain a satisfactory bonding of the various laminations, and to this end any suitable or well known type of closed heating and circulating means, which will produce a satisfactory and uniform temperature throughout the liquid in the autoclave, may be associated therewith without in any way interfering with the operation of the pressure system.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention here-with shown and described is to be taken as the preferred embodiment of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

We claim:

1. In a pressure system, an autoclave adapted to be filled with liquid and within which work to be treated is. received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within said auxiliary tank, acting through the liquid therein, to exert pressure upon the liquid within the autoclave and for subsequently cutting off such communication when it is desired to release the pressure in the autoclave, means for introducing additional elastic fluid into the auxiliary tank, and means operable by the elastic fluid for controlling the amount of such fluid introduced into the said tank whereby to maintain the pressure thereof within substantially predetermined limits.

2. In a pressure system, an autoclave adapted to be filled with liquid and within which work to be treated is received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within said auxiliary tank, acting through the liquid therein, to exert pressure upon the liquid within the autoclave and for subsequently cutting off such communication when it is desired to release the pressure in the autoclave, means for introducing liquid into the auxiliary tank, and means operable by a change in the level of the liquid in said tank for controlling the amount of liquid introduced thereinto whereby to maintain the said level within substantially predetermined limits.

3. In a pressure system, an autoclave adapted to be filled with liquid and within which work to be treated is received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause theelastic fluid within said auxiliary tank, acting through the liquid therein, to exert pressure upon the liquid within the autoclave and for subsequently cutting off such communication when it is desired to release the pressure in the autoclave, means for introducing additional elastic fluid into the auxiliary tank, means operable by the elastic fluid for controlling the amount of such fluid introduced into the said tank whereby to maintain the pressure thereof within substantially predetermined limits, means for introducing liquid into the auxiliary tank, and means operable by a change in the level of the liquid in said tank for controlling the amount of liquid introduced thereinto whereby to maintain the said level within substantially predetermined limits.

4. In a pressure system, an autoclave containing a supply of liquid and within which work to be treated is received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing additional liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, said autoclave being provided with a discharge outlet, means for establishing cornmunication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within the latter, acting upon the liquid therein, to force sufficient liquid therefrom into the autoclave tofill the same and to then exert pressure upon the liquid within said autoclave, said means being also operable for subsequently cutting oil such communication between the auxiliary tank and autoclave and for opening the discharge outlet in the autoclave to cause a portion of the liquid to discharge therefrom, and means for introducing liquid into said auxiliary tank to compensate for the liquid forced therefrom into: said autoclave.

5. In a pressure system, an autoclave containing a supply of liquid and within which work to be treated is received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing additional liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, said autoclave being provided with a discharge outlet, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within the latter, acting upon the liquid therein, to force sumcient liquid therefrom into the autoclave to fill the same and to then exert pressure upon the liquid within said autoclave, said means being also operable for subsequently cutting off such communication between the auxiliary tank and autoclave and for opening the discharge outlet in the autoclave to cause a portion of the liquid to discharge therefrom, means for introducing liquid into said auxiliary tank to compensate for the liquid forced therefrom into said autoclave, and means operable by a change in the level of the liquid in the auxiliary tank for controlling the amount of liquid introduced thereinto whereby to maintain the said level within substantially predetermined limits.

6. In a pressure system, an autoclave containing a supply of liquid and within which work to be treated is received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing additional liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, a discharge conduit leading from the autoclave and having its highest point at a level to which it is desired that the level of the liquid in the autoclave shall fall upon release of the pressure therein, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within the latter, acting upon the liquid therein, to force sufficient liquid therefrom into the autoclave to fill the same and to then exert pressure upon the liquid within the autoclave, said means being also operable for subsequently cutting off such communication between the auxiliary tank and autoclave and for establishing communication between the autoclave and the discharge conduit to cause the liquid within the autoclave to fall to a predetermined level, and means for introducing liquid into said auxiliary tank to compensate for the liquid forced therefrom into said autoclave.

7. In a pressure system, an autoclave containing a supply of liquid and within which work to be treated is received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing additional liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, a discharge conduit leading from the autoclave and having its highest point at a level to which it is desired that the level of the liquid in the autoclave shall fall upon release of the pressure therein, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within the latter, acting upon the liquid therein, to force suficient liquid therefrom into the autoclave to fill the same and to then exert pressure upon the liquid within the autoclave, said means being also operable for subsequently cutting oif such communication between the auxiliary tank and autoclave and for establishing communication between the autoclave and the discharge conduit to cause the liquid within the autoclave to fall to a predetermined level, means for introducing liquid into said auxiliary tank to compensate for the liquid forced therefrom into said autoclave, and means operable by a change in the level of the liquid in the auxiliary tank for controlling the amount of liquid introduced thereinto whereby to maintain the said level within substantially predetermined limits.

8. In a pressure system, an autoclave containing a supply of liquid and within which work to be treated is received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing additional liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, a surge tank connected with the autoclave and auxiliary tank, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within the latter, acting upon the liquid therein, to force suflicient liquid therefrom into the autoclave to fill the same and to then exert pressure upon the liquid therein, means for subsequently cutting off communication between the auxiliary tank and autoclave and for establishing communication between the said autoclave and surge tank to cause a portion of the liquid within the autoclave to discharge into the surge tank, and means for transferring liquid from the surge tank to the auxiliary tank to compensate for the liquid forced from said auxiliary tank into the autoclave.

9. In a pressure system, an autoclave containing a supply of liquid and within which work to be treated is received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing additional liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, a surge tank connected with the autoclave and auxiliary tank, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within the latter, actingupon the liquid therein, to force sufficient liquid therefrom into the autoclave to fill the same and to then exert pressure upon the liquid therein, means for subsequently cutting off communication between the auxiliary tank and autoclave and for establishing communication between the said autoclave and surge tank to cause a portion of the liquid within the autoclave to discharge into the surge tank, means for transferring liquid from the surge tank to the auxiliary tank to compensate for the liquid forced from said auxiliary tank into the autoclave, a supply line running to the auxiliary tank, and means operable automatically when the liquid in the surge tank falls below a predetermined level for cutting off communication between the surge tank and auxiliary tank and for establishing communication between the said auxiliary tank and supply line for introducing additional liquid into said auxiliary tank.

10. In a pressure system, an autoclave containing a supply of liquid and Within which work to be treated is received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing additional liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, a surge tank connected with the autoclave by a conduit, the highest point of which is disposed at a level to which it is desired that the level of the liquid in the autoclave shall fall upon release of the pressure therein, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within the latter, acting upon the liquid therein, to force suflicient liquid therefrom into the autoclave to fill the same and to then exert pressure upon the liquid within the autoclave, means for subsequently cutting off communication between the auxiliary tank and autoclave and for establishing communication between the said autoclave and surge tank to cause the liquid within the autoclave to fall to a predetermined level, and means for transferring liquid from the surge tank to the auxiliary tank to compensate for the liquid forced from said auxiliary tank into the autoclave.

11. In a pressure system, an autoclave containing a supply of liquid and within which work to to be treated is received, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing additional liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, a surge tank connected with the autoclave by a conduit, the highest point of which is disposed at a level to which it is desired that the level of the liquid in they autoclave shall fall upon release of the pressure therein, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within the latter, acting upon the liquid therein, to force sufiicient liquid therefrom into the autoclave to fill the same and to then exert pressure upon the liquid within the autoclave, means for subsequently cutting 01f communication between the auxiliary tank and autoclave and for establishing communication between the said autoclave and surge tank to cause the liquid within the autoclave to fall to a predetermined level, means for transferring liquid from the surge tank to the auxiliary tank to compensate for the liquid forced from said auxiliary tank into the au-' toclave, a supply line running to the auxiliary tank, and means operable automatically when the liquid in the surge tank falls below a predetermined level for cutting off communication between the surge tank and auxiliary tank and causing additional liquid to be introduced into the said auxiliary tank through said supply line.

12. In a pressure system, an autoclave adapted to be filled with liquid and within which work to be treated is received, a closure means for said autoclave, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within said auxiliary tank, acting through the liquid therein, to exert pressure upon the liquid in the autoclave and for subsequently cutting off such communication when it is desired to release the pressure in the autoclave, means for opening and closing said closure means, and hydraulic operating means associated with the pressure system and operable by liquid therefrom for actuating the said closure opening and closing means.

13. In a pressure system, an autoclave adapted to be fllled with liquid and within which work to be treated is received, a closure means for said autoclave, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within said auxiliary tank, acting through the liquid therein, to exert pressure upon the liquid in the autoclave and for subsequently cutting off such communication when it is desired to release the pressure in the autoclave, means for opening and closing said closure means, means for turning the closure means to effect the locking and unlocking thereof when in closed position, and hydraulic operating means associated with the pressure system and operable by liquid therefrom for actuating the closure turning means.

14. In a pressure system, an autoclave adapted to be filled with liquid and within which work to be treated is received, a closure means for said autoclave, an auxiliary tank connected with the autoclave and containing liquid backed up by an elastic fluid under pressure, means for establishing communication between the autoclave and auxiliary tank to cause the elastic fluid within said auxiliary tank, acting through the liquid therein, to exert pressure upon the liquid in the autoclave and for subsequently cutting off such communication when it is desired to release the pressure in the autoclave, means for opening and closing said closure means, hydraulic operating means associated with the pressure system and operable by liquid therefrom for actuating the said closure opening and closing means, means for turning the closure means to effect the locking and unlocking thereof when in closed position, and hydraulic operating means associated with the pressure system and operable by liquid therefrom for actuating the closure turning means.

JOHN L. DRAKE. LE ROY L. HANDY. IVAL G. FOWLER. 

